“the summit is the only really satisfactory viewpoint for Wasdale Head - a finely proportioned scene, with gaunt mountains soaring up suddenly from the level strath of this grandest of all daleheads”
A Wainwright
The Wasdale Screes must be one of the most famous scenes in the Lake District, the view across Wastwater is stunning, especially on an evening when the screes almost seem to glow as the sun sets, but fewer people climb the fells above the screes and look down on the view from above.
This route combines the two summits of Illgill Head and Whin Rigg above the screes with a wonderful walk along the Mitredale Valley, a hidden gem of the Lake District, a secluded narrow valley climbing up to a secret amphitheatre.
“Visitors will, of course, walk across to the rim of the escarpment for the view down the screes into Wast Water far below; an impressive scene indeed”
A Wainwright
From the car park in Mitredale we will follow the track to the north east, following the valley past Low Place and Bakerstead too follow the stream as it emerges from the trees into the narrow valley.
We will continue to climb gently alongside thee stream until the had of the valley is reached, a crag filled amphitheatre and a wonderful secluded place hidden from almost all above.
We will climb out of the amphitheatre to meet a good path above, traversing above Burnmoor Tarn and crossing too a good path climbing the north eastern slopes of Illgill Head. The easy slopes continue to the summit of Illgill Head.
The views from the summit are spectacular, but a short walk to the west of the summit will bring us an even better view, dropping steeply over the screes down to Wastwater.
The ridge continues to the south west, crossing a broad col, as we climb towards the summit of Whin Rigg the views to our right will be pointed out, steep cliffs above Wastwater filled with gullies.
As we descend the ridge to the south west of Whin Rigg we will drop down onto Irton Fell before turning off the ridge into the woods to the south and following the forest path back to Mitredale.
Each participant will be required to bring suitable equipment for their chosen event, please see Kit List tab above.
Where to meet: Mitredale, Eskdale
Postcode: CA19 1TL
Grid Reference: NY 146 011
Directions
From Gosforth: Follow the road through the village, taking the right fork at the junction and follow past Santon Bridge. Continue towards Eskdale Green until the Bowerhouse Inn is seen to the right, shortly after the inn a lane will be seen to the left, by the school (it looks more like a private lane than a public road), follow this lane until a car park is found in a clearing at the far end of the lane. We will meet here.
Bus Services
There are no bus services to this location.
Stagecoach bus timetables can be viewed here
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